LEAVING AS A REFUGEE: WHAT IT MEANS WHEN SOUTH AFRICANS SEEK ASYLUM ABROAD

News recently broke that a group of 49 Afrikaners have left South Africa and applied for refugee status in the United States. Their claims are based on fears of violence, particularly farm attacks, and concern over land reform laws allowing for expropriation without compensation. While the political context of these claims is hotly debated, the step they’ve taken, applying for asylum, has real and long-term implications, both for those who apply and for South Africa as a country.

What is refugee status?

Under international law, refugee status is not simply granted because someone is unhappy or feels unsafe. To qualify, the applicant must prove a “well-founded fear of persecution” due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Importantly, the fear must be linked to the actions or failures of their home government, meaning they must show that their country is either directly responsible for the harm or unwilling or unable to protect them.

This is not a simple process. Refugee claims are investigated and tested. If the U.S. (or any other country) grants refugee status to a South African citizen, it essentially means a formal finding has been made that South Africa cannot or does not provide adequate protection in that specific case.

What it means for those who leave

Applying for refugee status is not like emigrating. It carries serious personal consequences:

• Permanent break: Refugees may be barred from returning to their home country. In some cases, even voluntary return can affect their legal protection abroad.

• Loss of rights at home: Refugees may lose access to public services, consular help, or legal benefits in their home country.

• Reputation and scrutiny: Once someone claims their own government has persecuted them, it creates a legal record that can be examined later, including if they try to return or re-engage with South African institutions.

Some asylum seekers eventually qualify for permanent residence or citizenship in the country where they apply, but this can take years. They may also be restricted from travelling internationally or bringing family with them.

What it means for South Africa

On a broader level, the fact that South African citizens are now applying for, and possibly being granted, refugee status in developed countries raises difficult questions about how the world perceives the country’s legal and institutional protections.

It does not mean South Africa is classified as unsafe for all. But it does raise a red flag: Are there groups of citizens who cannot rely on the justice system, the police, or the Constitution to keep them safe? Are certain fears credible enough to meet international thresholds?

While individual claims don’t automatically reflect national policy, repeated or successful asylum claims from a specific group may influence how other countries assess future applications, South Africa’s standing in international forums and investment opportunities. 

A decision not to be taken lightly

The refugee system exists to protect those truly at risk, but it is a serious legal route, not just a backup plan when things become uncomfortable. It severs key legal ties to the home country and starts a process where the host country effectively assumes responsibility for someone.

For anyone considering this path, it is critical to understand that the implications go far beyond immigration , they involve issues of citizenship, international protection, legal status, and in some cases, a permanent break from one’s country of birth.